http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090119.cfm
I quote:
God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
end quote
I have just returned from visiting my cousin Eddie, and his wife Ragna living in retirement on the island of Χάλκη/ Halki (1) a short ferry boat journey from the much larger island of Rhodes, participating in the island's Orthodox monastery's annual festival held on the 29th August.
Travelling by ferry boat to Rhodes, then onto Halki by a smaller vessel is an exercise in patience, when observing the enormous procession of tourists dragging luggage.
Simplicity is a matter of choice for those of us who believe that ones transit through life does not require more than that which is necessary, rather than to advertise ones accumulation of stuff. Wise sages teach us that each of us is a traveller on a journey of self discovery requiring no more luggage than that which will provide for our needs.
The greatest wealth is to live content with little ~ Plato
Our Father makes it very clear that there is no benefit to accumulating an excess, that which in due time each of us must surrender at the end of our life's journey, when there are many living in lack of that which is essential to their well being including shelter, food, and medical attention.
The Rich Young Man
…20“All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?” 21Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” 22When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.… ~ Matthew 19
Humility is not a matter of words expressed to appear concerned for the plight of those in need, it is our free choice to share our excess with those whose lives may well be enriched when we share a little of our time, and something of our life's experience enabling them better deal with their need for practical help. Here I am stating that our help need not be financial to be a valuable contribution assisting a person in need.
Today's readings place an emphasis on humility guiding us to live simply, rather than adorning our life with that which adds to a cluttered environment filled with emptiness, and frustration the result of being a follower of fashionable stuff that rapidly loses its allure.
What is humility, according to the mind of The Christ? The gospel poses this challenge within the context of a parable where Jesus invites His followers to be counter-cultural avoiding status-seeking, and ambition for the sake of accumulating more possessions. The Saviour asks us to share with those in need, all that He has granted us to be His outreach to every human person.
1 John 3:17 – “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
end
(1) https://www.discovergreece.com/en/greek-islands/dodecanese/halki
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